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UPerfect has entered a completely new display category with the UColor T3. It blurs the previously clear line between a desktop monitor and a portable monitor, creating a display that can truly be used for both.
It's a 23.8-inch 4K matte panel, big enough for a desktop display. What makes this panel especially interesting is that it's as thin as a tablet and is powered by a single USB-C port, rather than requiring a USB-C cable to connect to your computer and a separate AC power cord.
Having experienced many best portable monitors around, including a few from UPerfect, I can tell you that it's not the easiest way to get a quick coffee. But you can easily take it with you on the go, such as to a temporary workspace, a coworking space, or a business trip where you need a larger screen than your laptop allows. Regardless of the reason, if you need a monitor for any reason but a traditional monitor won't work for you, you don't have to decide. You can get a full-size 4K panel that you can take with you anywhere.
PERFECT UColor T3: price and availability
UColor T3 is currently sold directly on UPerfect website for $510/£386 (and discounted at $410/£311 at time of review). I also see it being sold in online stores for about the same price.
PERFECT UColor T3: unboxing and first impressions
This unboxing did not look like a monitor. It was more like a laptop. I pulled out the 24-inch display, which was wrapped in protective material, and then pulled out two USB-C cables, an HDMI cable, the power adapter, and the manual. I decided not to purchase a VESA mount, although if I had one, it would have been in a separate box. The carrying case resembles a laptop case or display case rather than a monitor case.
Then again, I've never had a portable monitor this size, so I guess it's ok. In portable monitor style, setup is pretty simple: all you have to do is pull out the display and plug in a single USB-C cable if you have a USB-C device, or plug in an HDMI cable if you're using HDMI. Then also USB-C for power, since power is not sent between the device and the monitor via HDMI.
I was immediately genuinely shocked by its size. Even next to my 14 and 16 inch laptops, this thing seemed huge. I plugged in my iPad mini 7 just for fun and giggles and was amazed at the size difference.
What I like about this panel is the matte display. Personally, I'm a fan of a good matte screen. My beloved iPads have always had a PaperLike screen protector, even when the iPad Pro was my only device for several years. And if money were no object, I'd buy a matte display on my 14-inch MacBook Pro M4. Because of this love, I really appreciate the matte finish of this portable monitor. I also like that this monitor breaks the rules of a “portable” monitor.
Yes, it's more portable than my monitors, which come with my all-in-one, monitor arms, BenQ light bars, and webcams, but it still won't even fit in my large Nomatic backpack. This display can be powered by a single USB-C cable connected to your host device, but it will also need its own carrying case or absurdly large bag to transport it safely while in use. So perhaps even the term “portable” needs translation. Or has this unit gone too far?
UPerfect UColor T3: design and build quality
In terms of overall design and finish, UPERFECT has created a product that looks high quality while still meeting everyday needs. This isn't the kind of display you'd be embarrassed to take out of your office or home, but it also looks good enough to be used for a presentation with your boss or a client you're trying to impress.
The bezels are sleek, the display is clear, although I wish it was a little brighter, and the stand slides out of the frame, feeling like a bonus feature every time. For the installations you need, it can be raised with a desktop bracket or installed in an office.
Another unique option would be to use a VESA mounting bracket to mount a mini PC to the back of this monitor and then connect the USB-C directly to the computer, essentially allowing you to have a full powered desktop computer with a single cable and it can be quite portable. Especially if it's something like the Mac mini M series, which offers incredible power, is fairly cheap, and is portable in its own right. You can even purchase a portable power station and run it on the go.
UPerfect UColor T3: in use
Characteristics
Display: 23.8 inches IPS, 3840×2160 (4K)
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Contract ratio: 1000:1
End: Anti-glare matte
Brightness: 350 cd/m2
Ports: USB-C (Power + DP Alternate Mode), HDMI, 3.5mm Audio Out
Installation: VESA holes 75x75mm
Stand: Built-in adjustable tilt stand
Power: USB-C
Weight: ≈ 1.92 kg / 4.23 lb (estimated)
Using this over the past few months, off and on, has been great. It wasn't used every day, but my team and I took it out on numerous occasions to test cars and work in different locations. I grabbed it and brought it to the cafe, even though it was weird, and used it as an additional display for the workspaces I already had.
One of my favorite setups I've used this monitor for was to mount it to a monitor arm and then place the display underneath it at an angle closer to 60 degrees, almost like a laptop display. I love this look when I'm working on my laptop, so having a portable display that looks just like my desktop is great.
This display will also be useful for those working in IT who need to physically connect to server rooms, run tests on machines with a repair cart, or perform similar tasks. It's large but portable, making it a great display for unique or not-so-great scenarios.
PERFECT UColor T3: final verdict
The UPerfect UColor T3 is, in the best sense, in the gray area between a portable monitor and a standard desktop monitor. It's not stationary and difficult to move like a standard display, and it's not as small as most portable displays.
While it's not very bright, which is a shame, the colors are great, the matte display reduces glare, and the portability and usability at this size is fantastic. For these niche use cases, this is an amazing option.
UColor T3 delivers superior 4K sharpness and premium content in a semi-portable format. It perfectly combines the laptop and desktop categories for those who travel occasionally but still need a large and accurate display. It's not super bright or lightweight, but for flexibility and clarity in your workspace, it's an easy recommendation.
Is it worth buying PERFECT UColor T3?
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|
Value |
More expensive than other panels, but the screen is much larger. |
4 / 5 |
|
Design |
Slim matte body with built-in stand |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Hardware |
4k panel, HDMI, USB-C and VESA mount, but it's pretty dim |
4 / 5 |
|
Performance |
Clear and easy to see, but only indoors and not in direct light. |
4 / 5 |
|
General |
Semi-portable, “portable” monitor with a massive footprint, a fairly dim display with a built-in stand, and ease of use. |
4.5 / 5 |
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